Edinburgh will be flying the flag today to mark Commonwealth Day 2016.
The event, now in its third year, will see the Lord Provost Donald Wilson raise the Commonwealth Flag at the City Chambers. A specially written message from Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, will be read out before a recital of the Commonwealth Affirmation.
More than 850 flags are expected to be raised in 53 Commonwealth countries around the world.
The Lord Provost will say: “The Commonwealth is made up of two billion citizens drawn from all faiths, cultures and ethnicities.
“The countries come together voluntarily in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and understanding and it is for that reason we raise the Commonwealth Flag in unity with those throughout all the participating countries of the world.”
He will also convey a message sent from Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General. It will say: “Our theme as we celebrate Commonwealth Day 2016 is An Inclusive Commonwealth.
“Reflection on the many ways in which the Commonwealth is a great global good can go hand in hand with celebration as we put out the flags for Commonwealth Day with pride in our shared commitment, and dedicate ourselves afresh to progress and prosperity, with fairness, justice and opportunity for all.”
In 1997, the Edinburgh Declaration was issued by the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Nations. Developed over two-thirds of a century, the report served as a consolidation of the membership criteria of the Commonwealth and was signed in Edinburgh.
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